Faculty

Heather has been teaching yoga for over 25 years. Heather is owner and founder of The Yoga and Polarity Center, a center for teaching Yoga, Subtle Energy Healing Arts including Polarity and Pranic Healing, and Energetic Listening Skills for Bodyworkers. She is on the staff of the New Seminary, The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts and runs retreats worldwide in all forms of Energetic Healing.

Style: Hatha

Linda Babolcsay, LCSW-R, CASAC, B.C.D., RYT500,
E-RYT200, RPP

Linda’s life journey led her to yoga over 7 years ago where she immediately felt it’s life-changing power; spiritually, emotionally and physically. As life unfolded, it led her to Yoga Polarity Center where she earned her RYT200, RCYT200 and RYT500. Her passion to incorporate her background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, fostered the development of workshops and programs to incorporate the wisdom of yoga within the therapeutic process. As a student of Polarity, she has an experiential understanding of the physical, energetic and mental bodies. Her training and life experience have provided a deepened understanding of the human experience which is integrated into her Hatha Yoga classes. Linda’s classes inspire fun, laughter and self-awareness. Drawn to the beauty of how yoga brings us deep within ourselves to find who we truly are, she approaches each student with compassion, intuitive understanding, and acceptance. Her strong belief that one can overcome obstacles and transcend to a life full of gratitude, joy, and courage permeates throughout her classes and workshops.

Style: Hatha, Teen Yoga

Luciana Biondi, RYT500, RPP

Luciana Biondi has been teaching yoga for nearly a decade. She began to practice yoga because of a lower back problem. Luciana came to see that aside from fixing her back problem, yoga made her stronger, leaner and more flexible than she had ever been before. Luciana loves to share what she knows about yoga and life with her students. Luciana’s classes help to bring her students into the present moment with breath awareness and centering. Luciana’s class is designed to help open joints, stretch muscles and strengthen your body slowly.

Style: Ashtanga/Hatha

Susan Brotter, RYT200

Susan has been practicing yoga for over 10 years. She was drawn to yoga after taking her first yoga class while on a mother’s retreat weekend. Never having been involved in athletics before, she was amazed by what her body could do, and even more surprised by how it calmed her mind. At the urging of her teachers and friends, and her desire to learn more, she began her journey to becoming a yoga instructor. Susan completed the 200-hour teacher training program at the Yoga and Polarity Center in Malverne in 2015. Her desire is to share her love of yoga and its transformative nature with her students.

Style: Gentle, Hatha, Vinyasa

Anu Butani, E-RYT200 & E-RYT500 Program Instructor

Anu Butani is a 500 hours ERYT Certified Hatha Yoga Teacher. She teaches ALIGNMENT Style sequencing method of yoga and her classes are based on individual student levels. With the help of props she holds space for each student to connect to their own energetic alignment of the body, mind and soul.

Alignment helps to achieve balance between the front and the back of the body, the inner and outer body, right and left side, contraction and expansion, mind and heart. She helps to create length and space in the body, but to achieve that in a safe and supported way. She teaches Level 1 and Level 2 classes. She has been studying Iyengar Yoga since 2003 and continues to do so. Anu is a compassionate and inspirational teacher. She intuitively knows those students who are unsure, skilled or need support. She makes everyone feel that it is just the right place for them; to be in the present moment. The warmth of her voice is quieting and reassuring, as she shares with them a unique life-giving experience. Besides teaching the alignment of the physical body in postures, she teaches the union of the body and the mind in Pranayama. The flow of energy creates an open space in the body to become Present in the Mind.
Her Daily Quote…..PRACTICE SILENCE, FOR THE VOICE OF GOD CAN BE HEARD IN THE REGION OF THE HEART WHEN THE SPEECH IS SILENT….Sathya Sai Baba

Style: Hatha/Alignment Based

Mary Clare Chiofalo, RYT500

MaryClare Chiofalo has been practicing yoga for over a decade, taking her first yoga class at the Yoga Polarity Center. Yoga classes led to Polarity sessions which lead to Training and Practitioner courses. MaryClare is a 500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher as well as a Registered Polarity Practitioner. While MaryClare’s classes are both fun and relaxed, they are also meditative and focused on fluid movement and its connection breathe. “Yoga and Polarity have changed my life, making me a more centered, more aware person. My passion is sharing these gifts with others for their highest good and healing.” Visit MaryClare’s website: www.FiveElementsWellness.com

Style: Vinyasa, Hatha

Dianne Condon, RYT200

A fitness enthusiast for nearly two decades, Dianne deepened her Yoga practice after a serious bike accident caused her to slow down and look inward. Dianne completed her 200 hour teacher training at the Yoga and Polarity Center and started teaching classes based on the concept of “stretching and strengthening” with a few laughs thrown in for good measure! As the mother of four sons, Dianne helps to blend the strength of body and mind that yoga brings with a calmness and clarity to navigate the chaos of life. Her classes will help you do the same.

Lynn’s teaching experience is rich and diverse, from health clubs, to a women’s’ resource center in the South Bronx, to the Memory Support unit of an assisted living facility, to the corporate office of Tiffany & Co. Lynn travels throughout New York City, teaching and lecturing on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation. Lynn works privately with clients living with arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, herniated disks, trauma-recovery, RSD, MS, Parkinson’s, dementia, anxiety, obesity, sleep disturbances, and stress. [email protected]

Style: Yoga Therapy

Cristina Diaz, RYT200

Cristina’s journey with Yoga began 12 years ago when at the advice of her doctor she turned to holistic methods of healing.

As a pediatric cancer and stroke survivor, her younger years were filled with physical limitations. The first yoga class that she attended was frustrating and dealt a huge blow to her ego, but something deep inside told her to keep going. Little by little, she felt the healing process begin, strengthening and finding the balance that had been lost both physically and emotionally. Years rolled by until Cristina felt the calling to take the next step in being able to give others the tools they need to benefit from their own yoga practice. Cristina is currently a 200 hour RYT, having studied at Yoga Polarity Center under the mentorship of Alignment and Ishta teachers. She is currently continuing her studies at YPC towards becoming a 500 hour RYT and Associate Polarity Practitioner. Cristina has also begun to study the Sanskrit language to further her understanding of the yoga she loves.

Peter Ferko began practicing yoga thirty years ago at Alan Finger’s Yoga Works in Los Angeles, with Rod Stryker. He studied Kriya meditation at Yogananda’s Self Realization Fellowship and sampled Iyengar and Ashtanga yoga styles before finding Alan Finger’s ISHTA Yoga upon moving to NY in 1999. Peter has been initiated Yogiraj, or Master, of ISHTA Yoga and is a lead trainer in the ISHTA Teacher Training program. In addition to his yoga pursuits, Peter is a multi-media artist and brings creativity, imagery, and a sense of humor to his teaching. Learn more at peterferko.com

Style: ISHTA

Parameswari Frenkel (Mindy),
E-RYT200 & E-RYT500 Program Instructor

Mindy Frenkel graduated from the Yoga Zone Teacher Training with Alan Finger in 2002 and completed her 500 hours in 2005. She has been a devoted practitioner and teacher since 2000. She is a Reiki Master and has been trained in Polarity Therapy and Thai Massage. For Mindy, Yoga has been a transformational and healing practice and this is what motivated her to share this path with others. She continues to deepen her experience through the study of various styles of yoga including Ashtanga and Jivamukti and Nada Yoga as well as studying inspirational and spirtual texts. She is currently studying Sanskrit, chanting and meditation with her Guru, Manorama. Her teaching of yoga is steeped with an intensive background of yogic studies. Mindy brings a down-to-earth approach to her inspirational yoga classes. There is a high level of integrity and maturity to her graceful teaching style. You will find her classes challenging, informative, worshipful and fun! Visit Mindy’s website: www.mindyfrenkelyoga.com. The path of Yoga is a journey and not a destination. It is my goal to help other’s access the teacher within.
Om shantih

Style: Vinyasa

Tina Lear, E-RYT200, RYT500

Tina’s classes will invite you to be fully present and to pay close attention to all aspects of your breath, your body, your heart, your spirit. You may come into a more intimate, conscious and respectful relationship with your own body and how it moves through life. She also teaches meditation and started the Long Island Dharmata Sangha in 2014. In fact, many of the teachers that influence her yoga practice come from the Buddhist world and speak about the importance of mindfulness. People like Jack Kornfield, Pema Chodron, and Thich Nhat Hanh continue to feed the flame that fuels her teaching. But Tina credits everyone as being her teacher: “My kids, my co-workers, people in traffic that drive me nuts, and even Facebook updates. I use everything to encourage my own awakening.” And she brings these eclectic examples into each class, weaving everyday stories into the asanas for you to discover the Now unfolding, right now, in your body.

Style: Beginners Yoga, Meditation

Olga Lehto, RYT200

Retired after a 40-year corporate career, Olga is now concentrating and enjoying teaching Iyengar Yoga.

After having had numerous spinal surgeries, Olga has taken her practice to others who’ve had injuries. Through the use of props such as chairs, bolsters, blocks and blankets students are able to achieve better posture through poses and alignment.

Olga’s personal practice began in 2001 as a relaxation tool. Through the Iyengar method, she focuses on posture, alignment, and restorative poses. All sessions end with a guided meditation.

Seeking relief from lower back and knee pain, Jane’s life was transformed through yoga over 11 years ago. “My personal experience with the potential healing power of yoga placed me on a path that has dramatically improved my overall health and happiness. As a breast cancer survivor, my daily practice has brought peaceful relief in the midst of daily changes”. Jane is currently working as a yoga therapist and yoga teacher. Jane also teaches students in the Teacher Training Program at both the 200 and 500 hour level. Her work empowers people to manage their current condition, reduce suffering and to attain optimal wellness. Jane’s accreditations include: certified Yoga Therapist by The American Viniyoga Institute, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (500 Hour Level), B.S. in Physical Education, and an M.A. in Health Education.

Style: Viniyoga, Yoga Therapy

Suzanne Milani-Duroseau, RYT 200

Suzanne, with a background in dance and a love for movement, was naturally drawn to yoga. She immediately fell in love with the practice and how it connected the body, mind, and soul together giving a sense of balance, both on and off the mat. Suzanne feels that, overall, balance is the key to living a happy life. Yoga has taught her more than poses and sequences, as Yoga has provided a lifetime of tools to use in her everyday life. In time Suzanne wanted to learn more about Yoga and deepen her practice. She enrolled in the 200 hr. Yoga Teacher Training Program at Yoga Polarity Center, which she completed in May 2017. Currently, she is studying under Mindy Frenkel in a Yoga mentorship program and working on her Children’s Yoga Certification at Yoga Polarity Center. Suzanne is also certified in Reiki 1. She hopes to share with her students and others her love of Yoga and the gift of balance, peace, and love of oneself.

“Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” –B.K.S. Iyengar-

Diane Modico, RYT200

Diane has been practicing yoga for the past 18 years. She completed her 200 hr yoga certification under the highly qualified and mindful tutelage of Greg Fine at Fuel the Soul. Using the Ashtanga primary series as a guide, Diane teaches a well rounded, vinyasa class using verbal ques, proper body awareness techniques and recognition of proper alignment and adjustments. After her class, you will feel rejuvenated.

Diane has been living and raising her five children in RVC since 1996. Diane is a Parent Member for the RVC School District Committee on Special Education. Fluent in Sign Language, she is also a member of the PSA at Cleary School for the Deaf. Diane teaches young adults and children with various disabilities yoga at TAPAS in Longbeach NY. Diane spends her summers teaching yoga to a wide array of people on the beautiful shores of Fire Island.

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” Helen Keller.

Style: Vinyasa, Ashtanga

Geetha Narasimhan, PT, RYT500, CYT800

Geetha Narasimhan is a physical therapist with 38 years of experience working with adults and children of all ages. She is a Yoga Alliance registered 500-Hour Yoga Instructor and a 800-Hour certified Yoga Therapist with International Yoga Therapist Association. Geetha provides hands on private 1:1 yoga therapy/myofascial release therapy for a variety of health problems associated with pain and dysfunction. Myofascial release or MFR is a therapeutic technique that can help to treat pain and dysfunction by helping to release contracted muscle and fascia due to trauma, or tension to decrease pain and improve mobility. Her yoga therapy sessions combine MFR techniques, yoga poses, meditation, breath work and a personalized home program. She is also on the faculty of the Long Island Institute of Yoga Therapy. Please click on Yoga Therapy on the main menu or visit her website www.janyayoga.com for more information.

Hours:

Private 1:1 sessions available by appointment only during the following hours.
Wednesday 5-6:30 PM in prem Studio
Friday 5-6:30 PM OM Studio

Style: Yoga Therapy

Tuval Newman, R.N , RYT 200

Tuval Newman
I remember myself from an early age finding interest in the human body.
Reading anatomy books and at the same time, busy with physical activities such as gymnastics, running and the martial arts. As an adult, I learned to be a medical masseur and worked at a spa while studying for my BA degree in nursing. Since 2011 I have been able to acquire therapeutic care experience in a variety of settings. My goal as a yoga instructor is to share how yoga can be integrated in your life. I believe in its healing benefits and would love to share my passion for yoga with others.

“You do not need to seek freedom in a different land, for it exists within your own body, heart, mind and soul”
BKS Iyengar

Wendy Newton, E-RYT 500, RPP, is a senior teacher at ISHTA Yoga and a lead trainer in the ISHTA teacher training program in Manhattan. She has studied with Kavi Yogiraj Alan Finger since 2002 and was initiated by Alan into the ISHTA Yoga lineage as Yogiraj, or yoga master. Wendy is co-authoring a tantric interpretation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with Alan Finger, and she conducts workshops and trainings on this and other yoga and polarity-related topics. Wendy has trained with Heather Principe in Polarity since 2000, teaches in the YAPC Polarity program, and has a private Polarity Therapy practice in Freeport, LI, and New York City. Wendy’s classes combine breath-based subtle body awareness, kriya techniques, and the philosophy of the Sutras to help inspire students to move with grace, no matter what their “condition,” and to gain perspective in their lives. www.wendynewtonyoga.com

Sharon found her passion teaching children’s yoga when she introduced yoga & mindfulness as a new specialty for summer camp in 2009. She received a BA in Early Childhood with minors in Dance and Psychology from SUNY @ Buffalo. She has balanced teaching yoga, working independently, all while raising her 2 sons who are now in High School.

Her passion and commitment to creating a safe and fun practice for children led her to attain her a teacher certification with Karma Kids Inc. NYC. In her desire to deepen that knowledge and her personal yoga practice she began her journey at Yoga & Polarity Center, Malverne in 2011. She started with her RYT-200 training and continued her studies to complete her RYT-500 Yoga Alliance certification. The journey continued, as she began working with Heather Principe, Mary Clare Chiofalo and Linda Babolcsay manifesting the 95-hour children’s teacher training. The inspiration to create a teacher-training came at a time when teacher trainings were unavailable.

While teaching teachers she concurrently continued her own personal learning and enrolled in the 800-hour Polarity Therapy training. The energetic bodywork and learning how to hold space for others is now infused not only in her teachings but how she walks in the world.

Sharon brings her entire journey with her to continue her passion of being able to share her joy of yoga and enabling others to provide children and adults of all ages a safe and compassionate practice.

Style: Vinyasa, Children’s Yoga

Gary Pfleger, RYT500, RPP

Gary is a registered Yoga Teacher with the Yoga Alliance at the 500 hour level. He is a Registered Polarity Educator and an advanced Reiki Practitioner giving him an experiential understanding of the physical, energetic and mental bodies. All of his training and experience has opened a flow of energies within him and given him a deepened understanding of the human experience that he integrates into his Hatha Yoga classes. Gary teaches an eclectic blend that includes elements of the sequencing method and breathing practices of Viniyoga, and the attention to the alignment of the Iyengar method. With his mindfully paced teaching rhythm, students can fully experience the postures in a relaxed and steady way. Gary’s intention is to assist you in finding your own state of balance, as well as developing a toned and flexible muscular-skeletal system. Within that healthy state, your own personal intentions can be nurtured and grow to realization.

Style: Hatha

Georgette Rich, LCSW, RYT200

Georgette brings the spirit of yoga to every aspect of her life.
Georgette is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker working with older adults in their homes. Her work consists of providing psychotherapy and counseling to individuals and families. She uses her yoga training to help clients apply yogic breathing to reduce anxiety as well as instructing meditation and guided meditation to reduce their stress.
Georgette has been practicing yoga for the past 20 years. She completed her 200-hour Kundalini Yoga teacher training under the brilliance and expertise of Sat Jivan Singh and Sat Jivan Kaur, Directors of Kundalini Yoga East in New York City in 2011.

Georgette also provides Mother Center discussion groups to mothers and their babies through the Rockville Centre Public Library and Mother Center of East Rockaway since 2012—mothers supporting mothers.
She has lived on Long Island since 2001 with her family and three daughters. Georgette has been a PTA member, a volunteer at all her daughter’s schools, Girl Scout Leader for both her daughter’s troops as well as provided yoga to the parents of the elementary school community, to middle schoolers on Health and Wellness Day, to Girl Scout troops at the Brownie and Junior level and on Women’s Retreats.

“It’s not the life that you live, it’s the courage that you bring to it.” Yogi Bhajan.

Style: Kundalini Yoga

Dorothy Scott, RYT200

While an exercise and nutrition enthusiast and, having practiced yoga for over 20 years, Dorothy always knew there was more to yoga than just stretching. While on this journey she came to realize her yoga practice was a constant companion in her life. Yoga helped to navigate her career in sales and marketing, and raise a family; it also guided her through much of life’s ups and downs. Always finding solace in her practice, she is inspired by the philosophy and teachings as much as the Asana. After years of toying with the idea of teaching, she finally decided to immerse herself. As a graduate of the Malverne Yoga and Polarity Center 200 hour teacher training, Dorothy is committed to follow the path of her companion (Yoga) and fully incorporate its teachings into her life. Finding guidance from her mentors and teachers Dorothy is excited to further explore yoga through practice and education. Dorothy is more than grateful to able to serve and hold a safe space for all students who want to find stillness in their energy. In Dorothy’s class will find centering meditation, spirited yet calming asana, and breath awareness as you lengthen and strengthen your muscles and joints, your heart and your mind.

Style: Vinyasa Flow

Laura Schroll, RYT500, RPP/BCPP

Laura earned her 200 and 500 hour RYT, and Polarity certifications through the Yoga & Polarity Center in Malverne, NY. She was first drawn to the physical aspect of yoga when she began practicing Hatha yoga in 2001. After a back injury, though, she discovered yoga’s healing benefit. Yet it was the sense of calm and balance that carried over from class into daily life that kept her coming back to the mat. Yoga is now a passion for Laura, taking her down an exciting new path in life that she loves to share with her students. Her classes blend traditional Hatha yoga and attention to alignment, with Polarity Yoga and Chi Gong, using breath and movement to get energy flowing. Laura’s classes create a space where students can find Strength, Flexibility, Balance, and Inner Calm. She also offers private Yoga and/or Polarity sessions. For more information, click on her website link, www.chi-ative.com.

Style: Hatha, Polarity Yoga

Gary B. Strauss, Polarity Master Instructor, MS, RPP, PWE

Gary continues to inspire the healing arts community with his approach to well-being restoration, honoring the wisdom within and instruction through alignment. His crafted method of Holding Space™ for the client, classroom, and practitioner, has stemmed from 30 plus years of experience in energy medicine, nutrition, and natural healing. Those related walk away with an empowerment so personal and self-sewn; it’s as if Gary has known them all their lives. He is an incredible and articulate intuitive whose presence and openness allows for transformation, regardless of the relationship. Just ask the thousands he has trained and mentored internationally and in the U.S. His Polarity Therapy and Cranial Sacral Unwinding programs are offered through The Institute of Psycho-Strucural Balancing (IPSB, Los Angeles), The Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA, Arizona) The Energy Open Center (Kobe, Japan) and The Open Center (NYC).

Jean Treglia, RYT200

I come from a Kundalini background and incorporate different styles in my teaching. I look forward to sharing this passion with you that has truly brought me inner peace. Jean’s accreditations include Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (200 Hour Level). She is continuing her yoga teacher training at the Yoga Polarity Center working towards the 500 hour level certification.

Style: Laughter Yoga, Kundalini

Sue Vellela,

Sue Velella is Yoga, Pilates and Barre certified and trained. She is also a master NYS Educator. Sue’s passion for teaching infuses every class she leads. She is attentive to alignment, form, and the individual learning styles and ability levels of each practitioner with whom she has the privilege of meeting. “Sue’s cues” will inform and support you through every breath and pose of her varied and eclectic classes. Her studies of Vinyasa flow and ISHTA yoga are grounded in the mind-body-spirit connection best described as, “Where the breath goes, the prana flows.” Come to classes where care, humor, and balance will enliven your spirit and deepen your individual practice.

Style: Yoga Barre

Francine White, E-RYT200 & E-RYT500 Program Instructor, RYT500

Fran has completed her 500hr and 200hr yoga teaching certifications at the Yoga & Polarity Center in Malverne, NY. She is a program instructor in the 200 hr YTT as well as the 500 hr YTT. She is registered with Yoga Alliance.

Prior to yoga, she was a competitive runner and triathlete. Not only has yoga helped her injuries, but more importantly has helped her find some peace. Yoga has become her way of life.
As a devoted student and practitioner, she would like to share what she has learned with others, with the hopes that others can experience yoga in their lives.
She is greatly influenced by the Iyengar Tradition. Her mentor, Anu Butani introduced her to this tradition and she continues to study and practice it with certified Iyengar teachers.
In her teaching she may use props to help with the alignment process, recognizing that not everyone is anatomically the same. The props also give the student an opportunity to explore and experience the pose in different ways making it possible for anyone to practice.
She believes that by focusing on alignment and balance in the body helps to bring alignment and balance into our lives.

“Regular practice of yoga can help you face the turmoil of life with steadiness and stability.” B.K.S. Iyengar

Style: Hatha/Alignment Based

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Testimonial

"I walk back through those same doors into a slightly better world..."

The world pushes me through those doors into my yoga class, week after week. I come in sometimes tired, frazzled, upset, depressed. But class after class, no matter what, I walk back through those same doors into a slightly better world, better for my having released into my own wholeness.